CALIFORNIA STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE RECRUITMENT, PREPARATION, AND RETENTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PERSONNEL (Revised June 2009)

Implementation and Outcomes Summary 2007-2009

• Reconstituted Leadership Team with representation from ACSA, CAPSE, CAPSES, ACSE, CTA, CFT, CSEA, CDE/SED, CDE/ Professional Services Division, CTC, CalSTAT, UC Riverside, RIMS CTAP, CA Comprehensive Ctr/WestED, SELPA, SEACO, CSEA Governmental Affairs, CSHA, Independent Colleges, IRIS West, CCSESA/PMAT Clearinghouse, CARS+, CSU, Sacramento, Claremont University, CSU, Chico, National University, and Parent Organization (Yuba City Family SOUP)
• Increased statewide partnerships and connections with CTC, Math, Science, English Language Arts, Social Science Specialists, P16 Council, Paraprofessionals, and Service Learning Experts
• Increased TEACH CALIFORNIA.ORG website features, and continued distribution of recruitment materials
• Revision of CA Education Specialist Credential and standards
• Development of Special Education Supports Module (SESM) for CA Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) and School Climate Survey (CSCS)
• Increased professional development opportunities (IRIS West, CDE Webcasts & trainings, CTQ Forums)

Revised CA Strategic Plan (June 2009)

RECRUITMENT:
Strategic Focus Area: TEACH CALIFORNIA.ORG WEBSITE

Continue the development of a public relations campaign to raise the profile on the need for special educators.

• Teach CA Web site, brochure development, recruitment toolkit distribution, partnership creation, enhanced Web site participant registration and tracking system, maintenance of outreach efforts, and increased web links

Outcome: Increase the number of individuals entering the special education profession

Next Steps: Continue to improve TEACH CA Web site features and outreach

PREPARATION:
Strategic Focus Area: CA EDUCATION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL REVISIONS

Contribute to credential revisions.

Outcome: Expand accessibility for special education state certification

Next Steps: Implement new state credential standards and structure. Increase accessibility and distance learning across all credential areas, especially in the area of low-incidence disabilities (CSU, Los Angeles SIG Project)

RETENTION:
Strategic Focus Area: SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORTS MODULE (SESM)
Assess teaching and learning conditions at the school site that impact special education personnel retention rates.

• Research and development on special education teacher retention, White Paper development, Connection to CDE P-16 and CA Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) and the CA School Climate Survey (CSCS), Creation and inclusion of a special education research-based subset of questions (SESM) to the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS)/ California School Climate Survey (CSCS)

Outcome: Improve special education personnel retention rates.

Next Steps: Develop toolkit and pilot wrap around support services /Technical Assistance